Gifts will support new stadium

Healthcare partners donate

 

Three gifts from healthcare industry partners totaling $80,000 will directly support athletics and Trine University’s Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium, to open this fall.

Trine University Senior Vice President Michael Bock, left, President Earl D. Brooks II, Parkview Orthopedic Hospital operating officer Julie Fleck and Parkview Health Systems director of corporate marketing Danette Fitzgerald gather in Dr. Brooks' office for the presentation of gifts totaling $80,000 to support Zollner Athletic Stadium.

Parkview Orthopedic Hospital in Fort Wayne donated $40,000, and Dr. Brett Gemlick, a physician with Ortho Northeast One, Fort Wayne, donated another $20,000. Dr. Gemlick has served as team physician for Trine University Athletics and is a former member of the Trine University board of trustees. His group also provides athletic training services for Trine athletes. Ortho Northeast One also donated $20,000.

Julie Fleck, chief operating officer for Parkview Orthopedic Hospital and Danette Fitzgerald, director of corporate marketing for Parkview Health Systems, presented the donations in the office of Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II on Tuesday.

The funds will provide weight room and training room equipment for the new facility, which will serve the sports of football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. President Brooks said growing athletic programs necessitate the facility. “We have over 500 student-athletes involved in 22 varsity sports when we add field hockey in the fall. It is very rewarding to see this growth in our athletic programs, which has led to the need for this stadium.”